Chrysalis To A Butterfly [Kiana Kaslana X Male OC]

Interlude: Lilith Squadron

In the secluded space of the command centre of Beowulf sat Rita Rossewiese. She was donning her Velestflëge uniform, which, in comparison to her subordinates, was completely different. For starters, her collared tunic was a shade of navy blue, and underneath it, instead of a matching trouser, she had a matching skirt with tights and black boots.

Over her left chest hung four medals, minted in gold, with engravings of a snake, scythe, spear and dove wings. These represented the heroic feats she achieved through her years as a Valkyrie. Just above it was a badge stitched with the logo of a robot head, indicating her position as a mech pilot. Another job that came with being a member of the Velestflëge.

On her right chest was a name tag with her name printed, along with her rank: Major. Even though the hierarchy divided by ranks in the Velestflëge were decorations, Rita took pride in her standing. She was the twentieth commander of the Lilith Squadron as well as the youngest S-Rank Valkyrie to ever serve in this organization.

For her, the rank of Major not only represented power but also the hard work she had put in to reach this far. These badges, along with her rank, are also a testament to the victory and perseverance of that young girl who had lost everything to Honkai over a decade ago.

"Commander," Sophia stepped into the command centre and saluted Rita. "I have brought Lieutenant Sal Apocalypse, and the rest of the Squad will join us shortly."

"At ease, Captain," Rita smiled, her slender yet calloused fingers holding the handle of the porcelain cup, sipping black coffee from it. "For a change, it's good to see you at the bridge, Sal. Briefing you at the brig every time was becoming a hassle."

"It's not my fault that all your meetings occur at like four in the morning, Commander," Sal complained as he stepped away from Sophia's shadows and saluted Rita.

"Seems like your bad habit of running your mouth has yet to be rectified." Rita's rosy lips curled into a cold smile as she took another sip from her cup. "Captain, I hope you look into it and punish our little ace accordingly."

"Commander," Sal wailed. "Do you derive some kind of twisted pleasure by tormenting me?"

Sophia pinched his abdomen and stomped his feet, effectively shutting him up.

"I understand, Commander" She replied with the utmost respect. "I will start reprimanding Lieutenant Apocalypse from this very moment."

Sal always found it interesting how, despite being only a year younger than the commander, Sophia would always address Rita with unkindled respect and admiration. Because, for him, they were simply allies that had his back and vice versa. Though in hindsight, he needs to show some respect towards Sophia, she was almost a decade older than him. He was currently fourteen, and she had just turned twenty-four a month ago.

"Did you start the party without us, Captain," A lazy voice echoed through the bridge as a man in his late twenties stepped in. He was wearing the same uniform as Sal.

"I told you we were getting late, Jude," A feminine voice authoritatively scolded the blonde man, who lazily saluted Sophia and then Rita.

"Did you now?" Jude replied, his scarlet eyes exasperated as he gazed at the girl behind—his younger sister Audrey, who was also clad in the metal black uniform with a golden collar. "Who was the person that wanted to spend their time putting all that make-up, sister dear?"

"Shut up," Audrey sneered, her fuchsia eye glaring at Jude as she flipped her blonde pastel hair. "Beautiful girls like me must put a lot of effort into looking presentable, okay? We can't be barbaric like you, men."